Students alarmed after report Justice Department plans to sue schools over affirmative action

Civil rights advocates, students and school officials in Southern California said Wednesday reports that the Justice Department could be taking legal action against universities over affirmative action is alarming. (KABC)

Civil rights advocates, students and school officials in Southern California said Wednesday reports that the Justice Department could be taking legal action against universities over affirmative action is alarming.

The New York Times reported obtaining an internal document announcing a project on "investigations and possible litigation related to intentional race-based discrimination in colleges and university admissions"

A Department of Justice spokesperson told Eyewitness News such reports are inaccurate and also said in part: "The posting sought volunteers to investigate one administrative complaint filed by a coalition of 64 Asian-American associations in May 2015 that the prior administration left unresolved."

It added that it's committed to protecting all Americans from all forms of legal race-based discrimination.